orlando, florida – Starting a business is a tough proposition, but rebuilding it can be even harder.
That’s where Ryan McKenzie stands.
Mackenzie owns and operates Parlor, a pop-up kitchen specializing in cookie-filled waffles. He previously ran the business as Table Ghost Kitchen with his ex-partner Stevie Anduzier, but in early 2022 their business relationship dissolved.
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“I lost my business Facebook and TikTok, the website that was taking cookie orders from all over the country,” McKenzie said. “Fortunately, I saved my Instagram account and email address, but it ended up being like a one-man show.”
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When the tables were closed, Mackenzie realized he had to move closer to Tampa, but drove to Orlando every day to work at the parlor.
“Honestly, my best friend helped me out. Honestly, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been able to go on at all,” he said.
His friends allow him to live with her while he works to make the parlor sustainable.
“It’s been a blessing in disguise because we were able to refine the vision we saw in Table Ghost Kitchen and make it real. Honestly, it’s starting to take off a little bit. This is really cool.” said McKenzie.
Parlor has a full list of planned pop-up events that can be found on its Instagram page. Mackenzie also caters for private events such as weddings. He recently partnered with NBA player Tony Snell’s wife, Ashley Snell, for an event at her new store in Winter Park.
Mackenzie wants to grow the business even further.
“Now I’m working with investors and hopefully moving bricks and mortar,” he said. “In less than a year since Table closed, sales have doubled, and everything is being reinvested.”
Mackenzie hopes the parlor will grow into more than just a restaurant.
“Ultimately, we want the parlor to be almost an attraction, an immersive experience,” he said.
His dream is to bring his business to Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, but he knows it will take time. For now, he’s considering a walk-up his location with counter service.
Mackenzie couldn’t say exactly where he plans to open the first brick-and-mortar store, but he said he would like it in Orlando. He doesn’t have a timeline for when the brick-and-mortar store will open.
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In the meantime, he continues to perform at food festivals and other pop-up events.
“This is getting bigger and bigger, and people are starting to realize. I’m very proud that I didn’t give up,” Mackenzie said.
Watch Ryan Mackenzie’s interview on Florida Hoodie when he was still working as Table Ghost Kitchen.
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